Hyundai Unveils Stylish and Controversial Redesign for 5th Generation Santa Fe
Hyundai has introduced the stunning new 5th generation Santa Fe, showcasing a bold and innovative design. Departing from the previous simplistic design, Hyundai has opted for a straight design that exudes a trendy retro vibe. The exterior incorporates modern elements, including lamp designs that feature the iconic H emblem. The sleek and unified straight lines of the design give the Santa Fe a cool and contemporary feel, with the front and side views being particularly impressive.
One standout feature of the new Santa Fe is the spacious driving space provided by the fully opening and closing tailgate. Hyundai Motor Company has proudly presented the ‘terraced concept tailgate space’, which allows for easy folding of the second and third rows without the need for flattening the space. This versatile feature makes the Santa Fe ideal for various recreational activities such as parking and camping. Additionally, the hidden rear wiper, cleverly concealed within the rear spoiler, adds to the overall positive reception of the back design.
However, the rear design of the new Santa Fe has sparked some debate. By designing the D-pillar to nearly form a right angle, Hyundai has created a flat surface for the tailgate. While this design choice allows for a clean appearance, the placement of the Hyundai emblem and Santa Fe lettering below the rear glass appears somewhat awkward. Some argue that it lacks finesse and seems like an afterthought.
Another point of concern is the visibility of the brake lights and turn indicators. Previous models, such as the Hyundai Grandeur, Kona, Tucson, Kia Carnival, and K5, incorporated unique positioning of the reversing signal lamp at the bottom of the bumper. However, the new Santa Fe takes it a step further by situating both the direction indicators and brake lights close to the bottom of the rear bumper. While there is an auxiliary brake light on the rear spoiler, it is merely a supplementary feature. This placement may prove problematic as it can make it challenging for drivers to perceive the braking of the vehicle in front, potentially leading to rear-end collisions. Additionally, the low positioning of the brake lights could result in costly repairs if involved in even minor collisions, as it may require replacing the bumper along with the tail lamps.
Hyundai Motor Company plans to disclose detailed specifications for the completely redesigned Santa Fe model on August 10th, providing further insight into this exciting new release.
By Dongmin Seo
Editor, CarGuy
Copyright © Kagai. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
The new 5th generation Santa Fe is back with a great design ever. The simpler design was abandoned and a straight design was adopted. I feel the retro sensibility that is popular these days. The lamp design that embodies the modern H is also incorporated throughout the exterior. The straight design gives a cool and unified feeling. Overall, the front and side views are the majority.
The entire tailgate opens and closes to provide a spacious driving space.
The back design is controversial. First of all, Hyundai Motor Company announced that it has created a ‘terraced concept tailgate space’. The rendering image released on the 18th also created a perfect space that does not need to be flattened when the second and third rows are folded. The entire tailgate, including the tail lamp, opens and closes, making it optimal for recreational activities such as parking and camping. Here, the fact that the rear wiper is hidden in the rear spoiler rather than in an intrusive form like the current Sorento also receives good reviews.
The rear design of the new Santa Fe is controversial
To create this space, Hyundai designed the D-pillar to fall almost at a right angle. Then the tailgate was made into one big flat surface. Under the rear glass, the Hyundai emblem and Santa Fe lettering are attached, but it looks a bit awkward. If it’s good, it’s neat, and if it’s bad, it’s plain as if it had been done after it was done.
The visibility of brake lights and turn indicators is also an issue. Previously, there was a model that bought consumer originality by placing the reversing signal lamp at the bottom of the bumper. Representatives include Hyundai Grandeur, Kona, Tucson, Kia Carnival, and K5.
However, in the new Santa Fe, not only the direction indicators but also the brake lights are placed close to the bottom of the rear bumper. There is an auxiliary brake light on the rear spoiler, but it literally only serves as an ‘assistant’. It can be difficult to check the braking of the vehicle in front with only the auxiliary brake light. If a high-altitude truck driver is following the new Santa Fe from behind, it would be best to keep a wide distance between cars.
If the brake light is located at the bottom and the braking is not noticed, the possibility of a rear-end collision will naturally increase. Even in minor collisions, brake lights set too low are also a problem. You may need to replace the bumper as well as the tail lamps.
On the other hand, Hyundai Motor Company plans to also reveal detailed specifications for the completely redesigned Santa Fe model on August 10th.
Editor Dongmin Seo dm.seo@carguy.kr
Copyright © Kagai Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited
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